The Bridge

Finally, a book with answers about President Obama's childhood, his upbringing in Indonesia and Kansas, his elitist education, his work as an author and community organizer, his relationships with Hillary Clinton, Jeremiah Wright, and others—all that and more is covered here. Pulitzer Prize-winning author/The New Yorker editor Remnick was given extraordinary access to the First Family and all those involved in working both for and against Obama's extraordinary rise to the presidency. Narrator Mark Deakins (The Hunted) delivers an excellent performance, especially in his re-creation of key speeches. From his timing to his timbre, he sounds just like the President. Listeners wishing to follow up on Remnick's citations might prefer the print edition for the immediate access to the bibliography it affords; all others will find this audio edition superior owing to Deakins's superb narration. Highly recommended; essential for political junkies. [The New York Times best-selling Knopf hc also received a starred review, LJ Xpress Reviews, 4/2/10.—Ed.]—Cliff Glaviano, formerly with Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH